Molecular determinants of TCR expression and selection

The process of T cell development in the thymus is tightly regulated, being dependent on the integration of signals required for thymocyte maturation and survival. Rearrangements, expression and signaling of TCR genes play an indispensable role in this developmental program. Recent advances have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate TCR repertoire formation at th e level of alpha beta versus gamma delta T cell fate and CD4(+) versus CD8( +) lineage determination.